As enduro racing becomes widely popularized, many companies
have looked to give racers an edge on their competition. Enduro
racers require products that offer the right balance of pedaling
performance and trail-shredding capabilities. Crankbrothers, in
an attempt to fill the gap, developed a new pedal that just might
change the game for enduro riders and racers.

Tech features: The Mallet E pedals are the new little brother
to the famous Mallet DH pedals that many UCI downhill racers
have come to love. Similar to the Mallet DH, the Mallet E pedals
use an aluminum flat pedal wrapped around Crankbrothers’ unique
Eggbeater design. Like all Crankbrothers pedals, the cleats have
four-way entry and can be swapped between your left and right
shoe for a 15- or 20-degree release angle. This, however, is
where the line is drawn between the Mallet DH and the Mallet E.
The Mallet E uses a smaller platform to handle tighter enduro trails
and incorporates an all-new customizable traction pad. The Mallet
E traction pad consists of 1- and 2-millimeter shims that create
closer shoe contact and better cleat engagement amongst many
different shoe brands. Along with the traction pad come six adjustable pins and a ribbed design on the platform to aid in higher
levels of grip when pedaling or while clipping in. Across the entire
Crankbrothers’ 2016 lineup is their all-new double-sealed bearing
system, which they developed with big-name bearing companies
like Igus and Enduro. The new double-sealed bearing system is
claimed to be able to handle the harshest of riding conditions. With
a price of $165, these pedals are ready for your next enduro race
or hard-core trail ride.

Field test results: Placing our shoes on the Mallet E pedals,
we immediately noticed the high level of traction and support.

These pedals are designed to grip the rider’s entire shoe, unlike across-county pedal that only contacts the shoes cleat. We foundthe traction pad worked well in customizing the pedal platforms toour shoes. With the traction pad’s two different-sized shims and anoptional shim to raise the cleats, we had no issue whatsoever withcleat engagement. Crankbrothers uses a four-way entry design,which spins freely from the pedal’s platform. This made clippinginto the Mallet E’s an absolute breeze. We would even go as far assaying that these pedals could suit a beginner rider just as well asthey suit the pros. The pedals utilize six pins around the platform,which worked best when using a softer-soled enduro-style shoe.The softer soles let the six pins dig in for added grip. With thesepedals we noticed our confidence improve, because we felt moreconnected to the bike and found it easier to place our weight even-ly over them. We also noticed the added grip we gained allowedus to put a foot out in a sharp corner and then start pedaling longbefore our shoes were fully clipped back in. Riding with the MalletE pedals we forgot we were clipped in until we started riding up asteep section of trail and were pleasantly surprised at how efficientthey felt. The combination of these pedals and a pair of enduro-style shoes aren’t the fastest way up the mountain, but remember,an enduro race isn’t won going uphill. When the descents flattenout, the Mallet E’s shine, allowing riders to lay down more powerthan with flat pedals. We think that aggressive trail riders, enduroracers and even beginner riders all have something to gain withthe all-new Mallet E pedals. ❏